By GREG MENGELT

BOSTON — Romeo Langford and the Boston Celtics pulled away from the visiting Los Angeles Lakers for a 130-108 triumph Friday at the TD Center in Boston.

Former New Albany Bulldog and Indiana Mr. Basketball Romeo Langford scored two points in 22 minutes off the Celtics bench. Langford was 0-for-4 from the floor. He made a pair of free throws with 10:32 to go in the contest. That put Boston up 99-89.

Five different Celtics scored at least 15 points, led by a big night from Jayson Tatum, who scored 37 points to raise his scoring average to 24.2 per game. He also had 11 boards and three steals to lead the team.

Marcus Smart finished with 22, Denis Schroder had 21, Al Horford contributed 18 and Jason Richardson contributed 15 points off the Boston bench.

The Celtics trailed by 14 points in the first quarter and turned that into a 25-point lead in the fourth. A 61-60 halftime deficit turned into a 74-65 lead in the third quarter following a 14-4 Boston run. After falling behind early, the Celtics outscored the Lakers 112-76.

The Celtics out-rebounded Los Angeles 51-33 and made half of their field goal attempts (44 of 88).

As usual, Anthony Davis and LeBron James led the way for the Lakers. Davis finished with 31 points, six rebounds and three blocked shots, while James had 23 points, six rebounds, a pair of assists and a pair of steals. The loss dropped the Lakers below .500 at 8-9.

Romeo and the Celtics (8-8) host Oklahoma City tonight at 7:30 p.m. It’s the second of four straight home games for Boston.

By GREG MENGELT

The lead didn’t last long. The Bulldogs scored the game’s next 10 points and pulled away for a 92-50 victory.

Betz scored five of the Knights’ first 10 points and finished with 12 points, four rebounds and an assist. The former Providence star went 5-for-8 from the field and made two of his three 3-point attempts for the Knights, who fall to 0-4 with the loss.

Fellow Bellarmine senior Dylan Penn added 14 points and had six of the Knights’ eight assists.

National Player of the Year frontrunner Drew Timme led the Bulldogs with 25 points and 5 rebounds. He was 7-of-10 from the field, 1-of-2 from the 3-point line and 10-of-13 from the charity stripe in the win. Sophomore guard Julian Strawther added 19 and freshman Chet Holmgren — the projected No. 1 pick in next summer’s NBA Draft — finished with 18.

Gonzaga (4-0) shot 53.3 percent from the field and outscored Bellarmine 17-5 at the free throw line. The Knights were 3-of-25 from beyond the 3-point arc (12 percent).

“Well, it’s obvious they’re a great, great basketball team,” Bellarmine coach Scott Davenport said of last year’s national runner-up. “What an incredibly class operation. It’s as first class an operation as I’ve witnessed in my coaching career. So from that standpoint, I give them tons of credit.”

The schedule will eventually get easier for the Knights, but not yet. On Monday, Bellarmine faces No. 2 UCLA, meaning the Knights will have played three of the nation’s top 6 teams (Purdue, Gonzaga and UCLA) in the first month of the season.

The Knights and Bruins meet at 8 p.m. at the Empire Classic in Las Vegas’s at T-Mobile Arena. The game can be seen on ESPN Plus. It’s the first of seven straight Bellarmine games on the platform.

By GREG MENGELT

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS — Josh Jefferson went 14-for-14 from the free throw line and had a game-high 23 points, but his Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders suffered their first loss of the season, 87-74, at Stephen F. Austin’s William R. Johnson Arena on Friday evening.

Jefferson — a former New Albany star — went 3-for-8 from the field. All eight attempts were from behind the 3-point line. He also had four rebounds in the loss, which drops Middle Tennessee to 3-1 on the season.

The rest of the Middle Tenneessee was 2-for-16 from behind the arc.

Jefferson has been the leading scorer in three of the Blue Raiders’ first four games and became the first Blue Raider to make all of his free throws, while shooting 10 or more, since 2017.

Middle Tennessee led 5-0 early after a Jefferson 3 and a Donovan Sims layup. That was the Raiders’ largest lead. The Lumberjacks held a 44-34 advantage. A Camryn Weston layup cut Stephen F. Austin’s lead to 49-48 with a layup with 13:13 left, but the Lumberjacks countered with a 19-8 game-changing run.

“I thought our team stuck together” Middle Tennessee coach Nick McDevitt said. “We started having stretches where we were able to handle pressure and we got ourselves into the ball game. I thought down the stretch there were just a couple big plays that went their way and ended up costing us.”

Middle Tennessee 20.8 percent behind the arc and was out-rebounded 40-27 in the defeat. The Raiders also turned the ball over 21 times. None of the errors were committed by Jefferson.

“We just turned the ball over too much in order to win a road game,” McDevitt said. “I just thought, early, we looked a little frantic. This is the first time we’ve played a team with their defensive style and I didn’t think we handled that very well early in the game.”

Jefferson, a senior, and sophomore guard Eli Lawrence combined for 41 of the Blue Raiders’ 74 points. Lawrence finished with 18 points, seven rebounds, three steals and two blocks.

The Lumberjacks (3-1) had four of its five starters in double figures. Senior guard David Kachelries had a team-high 19 points. Stephen F. Austin shot 50.9 percent from the field, compared to 40.8 percent by the Raiders.

Jefferson and his Middle Tennessee teammates now head to Cancun, Mexico, for the Cancun Challenge. The Raiders face Rider (2-2) at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday with the final round Wednesday against either Bucknell (1-2) or Mercer (1-2) at either 12:30 p.m. or 3 p.m. Wednesday.

Preview capsules for girls’ basketball contests scheduled for Friday, Nov. 19, 2021.

JEFFERSONVILLE (5-0) AT SILVER CREEK (3-0)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Silver Creek High School, Sellersburg.
• Coaches:
Jeffersonville — Missy Voyles (11-12 in second season at Jeff, 281-126 in 18th season overall).
Silver Creek — Scott Schoen (158-108 in 12th season at Silver Creek and overall).
• Rankings:
Silver Creek — No. 14 IBCA (single class); No. 2 ICGSA (Class 3A).
• Most recent game:
Jeffersonville — Defeated Providence 65-25 (Nov. 16).
Silver Creek — Defeated Charlestown 54-37 (Nov. 17).
• Last 20 years: Jeffersonville 17-3. Silver Creek has won the last two meetings.
• Most recent meeting: December 1, 2020 — Silver Creek 54, at Jeffersonville 31.
• News and notes: Jeffersonville is 5-0 for the second time in three seasons. Last time the Red Devils started 5-0, they finished the season 14-11. The last time they started 5-0 before that, they won the state championship in 2011. … Elle Marble led Jeff with 21 points in its win over Providence. La’Kyra Johnson had 14 and Candace Singleton 13 in the win. … Jeff led the Pioneers 17-2 after one quarter and 29-11 at halftime. … After Charlestown beat up North Harrison, the Pirates had to have entered Wednesday’s game with confidence. How did the Dragons respond? By outscoring the Pirates 16-4 in the first quarter, 12-4 in the second and 17-8 in the third. It was domination. … Kynidi Mason-Striverson had 24 points in the win over Charlestown. Emme Rooney added 11 for the Dragons, who have now won 53 of their last 61 games.
• Outlook: This is a big early-season test for both teams but particularly Jeffersonville, which is still proving itself. That was also the case for Charlestown earlier this week and the Pirates were no contest for Silver Creek. That will probably be the case Friday.
• JohnHarrell.net prediction: Silver Creek 60, Jeffersonville 38.
• Greg’s pick: Silver Creek 71, Jeffersonville 50.

EASTERN (3-1, 1-1 MSC) AT SALEM (2-1, 0-0)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Brooks Memorial Gymnasium, Salem.
• Coaches:
Eastern — Michael McBride (222-116 in 15th season at Eastern and overall).
Salem — Jerry Hickey (139-66 in ninth season at Salem and overall).
• Rankings:
Eastern — Class 2A No. 7 (ICGSA).
Salem — No. 19 IBCA (single class); No. 5 ICGSA (Class 3A).
• Most recent game:
Eastern — Won at Austin 46-22 (Nov. 13).
Salem — Lost at Jennings County 61-37 (Nov. 11).
• Last 20 years: 12-12. Salem has won the last four matchups with the Musketeers. In the last 20 years, neither team has beaten the other more than four times in a row.
• Most recent meeting: Nov. 20, 2020 — Salem 61, at Eastern 42.
• News and notes: Its 3-1 start equals Eastern’s best start since its 21-7 season in 2018-19. … The Musketeers held Madison to 7 points or fewer in all four quarters Tuesday. … Three Eastern players — Kaylee McKinley (11), Kyia McKinley (10) and Ava Sowder (10) scored in double figures against Austin. … This is the Mid-Southern Conference opener for Salem, which is 33-3 in its last 36 conference games. … Salem will have 8 days off between its last game and this rivalry game. … Prior to the loss to Jennings County, the Lions had a 13-game winning streak against the Hoosier Hills Conference.
• Outlook: Like we said in the power poll this week, lots of teams are going to get beat far worse than the Lions did by Jennings County. The Panthers are legit. Salem still is, as well.
• JohnHarrell.net prediction: Salem 52, Eastern 38.
• Greg’s pick: Salem 60, Eastern 45.

NEW WASHINGTON (2-3, 0-0 SAC) AT HENRYVILLE (2-3, 0-0)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Furnish Gymnasium, Henryville.
• Coaches:
New Washington — Kirsti Holloway (57-86 in seventh season at New Wash and overall).
Henryville — Tuesday Guernsey (17-30 in third season at Henryville and overall).
• Most recent game:
New Washington — Defeated Christian Academy 60-23 (Nov. 13).
Henryville — Lost at Switzerland County 52-21 (Nov. 13).
• Last 20 years: Henryville 15-7. The Hornets won 6 of the last 8 meetings against the Mustangs.
• Most recent meeting: Nov. 20, 2020 — At New Washington 66, Henryville 29.
• News and notes: This is the Southern Athletic Conference opener for both teams. … New Washington has scored at least 60 points in 3 of its first 5 games. . … Kaiden James had 32 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists in the Mustangs’ win over Christian Academy. … New Wash’s game against Austin, scheduled for Nov. 16, has been postponed. A makeup date has not been announced. … Henryville was shut out in the third quarter of its loss at Switzerland County. … Hillary White scored 14 of the Hornets’ 24 points in Vevay.
• Outlook: New Washington fans have to like what they’ve seen out of their Mustangs so far. The 2-3 record is one thing, but New Wash was also competitive with North Decatur and Scottsburg.
• JohnHarrell.net prediction: New Washington 52, Henryville 31.
• Greg’s pick: New Washington 49, Henryville 33.

AUSTIN (1-3) AT PAOLI (1-3)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Paoli High School.
• Coaches:
Austin — Jared Petersen (232-167 in 17th season at Austin and overall).
Paoli — Donavan Crews (11-9 in second season at Paoli and overall).
• Most recent game:
Austin — Lost to Eastern 46-22 (Nov. 13).
Paoli — Lost at Corydon Central 74-44 (Nov. 16).
• Last 20 years: Austin 14-11. Paoli has won 4 of the last 5 over the Eagles.
• Most recent meeting: Nov. 27, 2020 — At Austin 52, Paoli 49 (OT).
• News and notes: Austin has dropped three straight against three pretty good teams since opening the season with a win over Madison. The Eagles lost all three games by double figures. … Paoli’s first 4 opponents are a combined 16-9. … Junior Jackie Crews is the Rams’ leader. The point guard averages 17 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.3 steals.
• Outlook: We still believe Austin is better than its record and its recent performance. This is the Eagles’ chance to prove it on the road.
• JohnHarrell.net prediction: Paoli 48, Austin 37.
• Greg’s pick: Austin 39, Paoli 38.

By GREG MENGELT

SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco improved to 5-0 with a 73-70 victory over former Jeffersonville star Tre Coleman and the Nevada Wolfpack on Thursday at the War Memorial Coliseum at the Sobrato Center.

Coleman, a sophomore, went scoreless in 22 minutes off the Nevada bench. He had three rebounds and an assist. He didn’t attempt a shot or a free throw in the loss.

The Wolfpack led 70-69 until the Dons’ Jamree Bouyea knocked down a clutch 3-pointer with 33 seconds left. Nevada led 46-36 at halftime, but San Francisco scored the first 11 points of of the second half.

San Francisco’s Gabe Stefanini led all scorers with 28 points. The Italian senior guard made 10 of his 17 field goal attempt and was 5-of-12 from behind the 3-point arc. Bouyea added 22 in the win.

Junior center Will Baker went 10 for 12 from the field for 24 points for Nevada (1-3), which now heads to Sioux City, S.D. for the Crossover Classic. The three games — against South Dakota State (4-1), George Mason (4-0) and Washington (2-2) can be seen on ESPN Plus. First up is South Dakota State at 4 p.m. on Monday.

Preview capsules for girls’ basketball games on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021.

FLOYD CENTRAL (2-2) AT SCOTTSBURG (2-1)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Charles E. Meyer Gymnasium, Scottsburg.
• Coaches:
Floyd Central — Randy Gianfagna (22-49 in fourth season at Floyd and overall).
Scottsburg — Carrie Daniels (10-16 in second season at Scottsburg, 113-72 in seventh season overall).
• Most recent game:
Floyd Central — Won at Evansville Harrison 71-28 (Nov. 13).
Scottsburg — Won at Lawrenceburg 51-47 (Nov. 12).
• Last 20 years: Scottsburg 10-9. The Warriors have won three straight over Floyd.
• Most recent meeting: At Scottsburg 57, Floyd Central 38 (Nov. 21, 2019).
• News and notes: Floyd’s 43-point win Saturday was its largest since beating Harrison 76-27 on Nov. 11, 2016. … The Warriorettes trailed Lawrenceburg 28-27 at the half, but won the second half 24-19 in the Friday’s win. Senior Allison McGlothlin and freshman Ellie Richardson led Scottsburg with 17 points apiece. With a win, Scottsburg will be 3-1 through four games for the fourth straight season.
• Outlook: Looks like this is going to be a close one, so I’ll take the team with the homecourt advantage.
• JohnHarrell.net prediction: Scottsburg 47, Floyd Central 43.
• Greg’s pick: Scottsburg 58, Floyd Central 55.

CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (0-4) AT LANESVILLE (4-1)
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Lanesville High School.
• Coaches:
Christian Academy — Carson Casey (8-39 in third season at CAI and overall).
Lanesville — Angie Hinton (66-16 in fourth season at Lanesville, 239-89 in 15th season overall).
• Rankings:
Lanesville — Receiving votes IBCA (single class); No. 2 Class A (ICGSA).
• Most recent game:
Christian Academy — Lost at West Washington 62-25 (Nov. 13).
Lanesville — Lost at Corydon Central 44-34 (Battle at the First Capital, championship game, Nov. 13).
• Last 20 years: Lanesville 19-6. Lanesville has an 8-game winning streak in the series.
• Most recent meeting: Lanesville 75, at Christian Academy 7 (Feb. 5).
• News and notes: Lanesville outscored the Warriors 159-12 in two games last season. … Lilly Yates led CAI with nine points in Saturday’s loss at West Washington. … Before the loss to Corydon — the Eagles’ first of the season — Lanesville defeated Evansville Reitz 56-32 and New Albany 48-29 in the first two rounds of the tournament at Corydon. … The Eagles made just 12-of-43 field goals against Corydon. … Linzie Wernert led Lanesville with 17 points in the win against Reitz and with 11 in the triumph over New Albany.
• Outlook: This one is going to be one-sided.
• JohnHarrell.net prediction: Lanesville 66, CAI 10.
• Greg’s pick: Lanesville 59, CAI 16.